Hybrid Engine Start Control via Speed Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face issues with overheating and wear of auxiliary machines, increased energy consumption, and uncomfortable transitions when switching from auxiliary creeper mode to combustion engine mode, particularly due to the lack of effective management strategies for starting the combustion engine during low-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing the start-up of the combustion engine in hybrid vehicles that differentiates between two types of engine start requests based on vehicle speed thresholds, prohibiting traction by the heat engine below a minimum speed threshold to avoid uncomfortable jolts and allowing it above the threshold for efficient traction, while incorporating security strategies to ensure driver presence and prevent untimely vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the combustion engine is started during auxiliary creeper mode to provide traction, then the vehicle can achieve higher speed and power, but it causes uncomfortable jolts and transitions at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring vehicle speed and using it as a threshold parameter to determine engine start type. When speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system allows type 2 starts with traction; when below the threshold, only type 1 starts without traction are permitted. This dynamic parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting engine behavior to current operating conditions.
2Power
If the combustion engine is continuously running to provide traction, then the vehicle has sufficient power for all maneuvers, but it increases energy consumption and causes overheating and wear of the auxiliary machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the combustion engine operation dynamic rather than static. The engine starts only when needed based on real-time speed conditions and driver requests, transitioning between off and running states. This dynamic control optimizes energy usage by avoiding continuous operation while ensuring power availability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of the combustion engine based on speed threshold comparisons. When vehicle speed exceeds the threshold during a start request, the engine is activated with traction capability; when below the threshold, the engine remains off or starts without traction. This parameter-driven state change reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
3Speed
If the combustion engine is started with traction capability at low speeds, then the vehicle can move effectively, but it creates unsafe conditions when the driver is absent or door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking driver presence and door status before allowing the combustion engine to start with traction capability. The system proactively verifies safety conditions (driver present, door closed) before enabling engine traction, preventing unsafe vehicle movement. This preliminary safety check occurs before the actual engine start action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses binary parameter changes for safety-critical functions: when the driver's door is open or driver absence is detected, the traction capability parameter is set to false, preventing engine traction regardless of speed conditions. When the door is closed and driver is present, traction capability is set to true, allowing normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for managing the starts of a combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle comprising an auxiliary traction machine and an automated transmission connected to the combustion engine, this vehicle comprising a command actuated by the driver demanding a starting of the combustion engine (2), this method, during an upscaling auxiliary operation starting from a demand from the driver (2) to start the combustion engine, making a first selection (4) which, if the vehicle speed is above a minimum threshold, gives rise to a demand to start this engine of a second type allowing it to perform traction of the vehicle (6) and, below this minimum threshold, giving rise to a demand to start this engine of a first type including a prohibition on the vehicle (8) traction being assured by the combustion engine.